No, they don't. The game is more balanced without progressive attributes. Level playing field at all times, no broken attribute exploits, no juicing, etc. I'd rather them focus on gameplay than re-introduce all of that back into the series.

I also have a hard time believing that, if there really was a significant drop off in players, the switch to player classes was a major reason for it. I never have trouble finding a club or drop-in game unless I'm trying to search at like 4 or 5 am.

Its a personal thing for me...I like building my player the way I play in real life...lower speed but higher strength and shooting. The level playing field is just boring tbh...no sense of achievement anymore...there were so many games where we would knock off a clearly better team because we changed strategy. The poll in this forum even indicates that people want progressive builds back.

One of the issues a lot of longtime players have is the class based system of EASHL. We really miss being able to create our own forwards and defenseman. This allowed us to put our own UNIQUE twist on our character. For example myself I was a power forward because I enjoyed being able to make a big hit. Here's the thing though I didn't build my guy as a power forward, I built him as a playmaker. I put the max allowed attributes into passing and puck control. I also stacked his defensive awareness: This allowed me to build MY personal skill set into my character. The problem with the set classes is it removes our ability to cater to our skills.

By no means am I asking for legend 3 back. I will agree that it was a PITA having to attain the card every year before you could play to your capabilities. What I am suggesting is allowing us to lower and raise the attributes within a class. So for instance being able to lower my shot or hits and raise say my passing or skating. Would this be something that EA would consider as a compromise of sorts to its long time players and fans? I'm sure most here would agree that this could be a good middle ground. And maybe it would entice so long time players who left to comeback. I used to work night shift back between 9-12 and it didn't matter what time I could find a game with at least 5v5. Now I sit for sometimes 30-45 minutes before I can actually play if my club isn't around.

One of the issues a lot of longtime players have is the class based system of EASHL. We really miss being able to create our own forwards and defenseman. This allowed us to put our own UNIQUE twist on our character. For example myself I was a power forward because I enjoyed being able to make a big hit. Here's the thing though I didn't build my guy as a power forward, I built him as a playmaker. I put the max allowed attributes into passing and puck control. I also stacked his defensive awareness: This allowed me to build MY personal skill set into my character. The problem with the set classes is it removes our ability to cater to our skills.

By no means am I asking for legend 3 back. I will agree that it was a PITA having to attain the card every year before you could play to your capabilities. What I am suggesting is allowing us to lower and raise the attributes within a class. So for instance being able to lower my shot or hits and raise say my passing or skating. Would this be something that EA would consider as a compromise of sorts to its long time players and fans? I'm sure most here would agree that this could be a good middle ground. And maybe it would entice so long time players who left to comeback. I used to work night shift back between 9-12 and it didn't matter what time I could find a game with at least 5v5. Now I sit for sometimes 30-45 minutes before I can actually play if my club isn't around.

This. Id be happy with this. I miss being able to add my own touch to my player. Height and weight and such...but I like edit within class idea...that would be cool

Completely agree that they need to bring back player grinding. It's sad that under 4% of total players made it to level 50 in eashl on ps4 this year. EASHL used to be the best thing going, now it's a joke. It's like playing call of duty and NEVER being able to customize your character. How much fun would it be to only ever use the pre made characters?

Grinding will never come back. They're pushing the e-sport angle for EASHL despite the gameplay/control not being solid enough for it.

DOTA / LOL / RocketLeague / Battlefield you pick your character / class, and playing unlocks visual upgrades. The only improvement in skill you'll see after 100 hours is in your ability with the controller.

In some ways I do miss the custom players but I don't miss the cheats. Also grinding for a legend card every year got real old. Would be nice to be able to customize height and weight though or if returning players could just return as legends.

It's hilarious that every person I've ever heard say they want to keep the pre-set builds, mentions the fact that there was some sort of "cheat" when we were able to edit our own attributes. The reason for that has already been mentioned, we create our builds to cater to OUR play style. Which therefore, if done correctly, makes the build seem like it can't be obtained without cheating lol.

The preset builds are all a joke. EASHL is slowly being killed by EA. There is no purpose to playing this game mode anymore until there is some sort of personalization added to setting up a class.

It's hilarious that every person I've ever heard say they want to keep the pre-set builds, mentions the fact that there was some sort of "cheat" when we were able to edit our own attributes. The reason for that has already been mentioned, we create our builds to cater to OUR play style. Which therefore, if done correctly, makes the build seem like it can't be obtained without cheating lol.

The preset builds are all a joke. EASHL is slowly being killed by EA. There is no purpose to playing this game mode anymore until there is some sort of personalization added to setting up a class.

Does anyone in a league (VG, LG or whatever) really want to have the progression/cards again? I don’t think so. It would involve too much variance amoungst the players for the first couple of months at least and wouldn’t be fair.

Now when you realize that the game changers for NHL that play EASHL are exclusively 6s and in leagues you will accept that we won’t get progression back.

Getting a set amount of XP to create your player as you want is more likely, but, again, the same old "magic build" complaints will arise. Then those who wanted stock builds before are back arguing because "user skill" is the more important factor, not attributes.

What if they re-introduced the custom equipment? So that maybe you can change the skate rocker again so that you can have a touch more agility as a power forward, or speed, etc. And your blade pattern and curve affected your shot tendencies and types. Add this, and our ability to make height and weight our own and we would probably be happy

To add to that, they should ditch the old offense, defense, athleticism categories and just force players to use one set of points as they prefer for all categories. You want the fastest player on the ice with some dangles? Then you won't be all that useful on defense and will only make an impact offensively on the rush. You want to be a bonifide defender? Your offensive skills will be lacking. You want to be able to shake off most body checks? You will be a slower skater.